Women’s Forum
The Women of St. Stephen’s are cordially invited to the Women’s Forum on the first Tuesday of the month during the program year (no programs in summer).
Unless an event includes a meal, there is no charge and no registration required. Guests are always welcome–bring a neighbor, friend, or your spouse.
Be sure to sign up for the Women of St. Stephen's email newsletter HERE so that you're up to date if changes are made to the location of a program, or if inclement weather causes a program to be postponed.
October 3, 2023 (gathering time: 9:30 a.m., program: 10 a.m.)
More Than a Farm with Anna Ibrahim
Our first program of the year will focus on the mission of Shalom Farms, when executive director Anna Ibrahim joins us. From Shalom Farms’ website: “Shalom” is a Hebrew word often translated as “peace.” However, its meaning goes beyond just the absence of violence or oppression, to suggest the active presence of health and happiness, and an understanding that this wholeness and well-being belongs to everyone. For us, it represents our hope that all people in our community, and even the land and plants themselves, can be in a whole and thriving relationship together to support a healthy Richmond. Come hear the Shalom story. It is more than a farm.
November 7, 2023 (gathering time, 6 p.m., program, 6:30 p.m.)
Flower Demonstration with David Pippin
Come for wine and nibbles at 6 p.m., followed by a program with David Pippin, whose past visits to St. Stephen’s have made him a popular speaker. David is known throughout the region for his innovative floral arrangements and informative programs. Our world would be diminished without flowers—don’t miss this free opportunity to benefit from David’s enthusiasm and expertise.
December 5, 2023 (11 a.m., followed by luncheon)
Advent and Christmas Music Program & Lunch
Each year, this special program has provided a welcome pause during a busy season. Join us in the church for seasonal music and stay for our traditional holiday luncheon. The program is free and open to all; luncheon requires sign-up (use the clipboard outside the May Fair House) and the suggested donation of $15 is made at the door. This is a beautiful beginning to Advent.
In addition, we will collect donations of household cleaning supplies for "Housing Families First", an agency providing rapid rehousing and support services for families in Richmond.
Music program (11 a.m. in the church): Organ and piano music performed by Brent te Velde and Diana Chou, with carols for everyone to join in singing.Partita on Bereden väg för Herran (Prepare the way, O Zion)--Rebecca Groom te Velde
Hymn 66 Come, thou long-expected Jesus (sung by all)
Prelude on Veni Emmanuel (O come, O come, Emmanuel)--Herbert Buffington
Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland (Savior of the nations, come)--J.S. Bach
Hymn 67 Comfort, comfort ye my people (sung by all)
The Holly and the Ivy--George Winston
I saw three ships--Jon Schmidt
Prelude on Cranham - Pamela Decker
Hymn 81 Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming (sung by all)
Toccata on "God rest you merry, gentlemen"--Robert Hobby
January 9, 2024 (gathering at 9:30 a.m., program at 10 a.m.)
Stories of D-Day with Jim Triesler
Eighty years ago, brave members of Allied forces stormed the beaches of France. Jim Triesler, director of education at the Virginia War Memorial, will tell their stories and how their actions helped change the course of history.
February 6, 2024 (gathering at 9:30 a.m., program at 10 a.m.)
Poems, Prayers and Promises: The Intimacy of Lent with Angier Brock
About a week before the penitential season of Lent begins, Angier Brock will speak at our February program. Angier is a poet and a retired teacher, and an Education for Ministry mentor and centering prayer facilitator at Grace Church, Yorktown. More than two dozen of her texts have been set to music by British and American composers, and sung in worship services and concerts in the U.S. Angier has an M.A. in Christian education and an M.F.A. in creative writing and is an experienced retreat and workshop leader.
March 5, 2024 (gathering time at 9:30 a.m., program at 10)
Creating Prayers, Writing Icons with the Rev. Ruth Partlow
Ruth Partlow is an Episcopal priest, a member of St. Stephen’s Church, and a regular participant in our annual icon writing workshop and our icon guild. She will speak about the origins and meaning of the ancient objects. Many people find meaning in gazing on an icon during prayer. The act of “writing” an icon is itself a religious experience when the writer is not painting in the traditional understanding of that process. Rather, by following a centuries-old, step-by-step process the figure depicted in an icon slowly reveals itself to the writer. This makes the process accessible even to those without particular artistic experience or skills. Kinship bonds humanity to creation and unifies diversity into a matrix of compassion.
April 9, 2024 (gathering time at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and speaker; reservations required)
Ladies Night Out with Susan F. Dewey: 'The Power of Home'
Susan Dewey served as the executive director of Virginia Housing (formerly VHDA) since 1999 until her recent reitrement. Previously she served as Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Virginia and was an ex-officio Virginia Housing Commissioner. Virginia Housing is a $9 billion independent, self-supporting authority addressing the statewide housing affordability needs of low- and moderate-income Virginians. Susan was recently honored by the National Housing Conference with the 2023 Housing Visionary Award for her exceptional contributions towards advancing the objective of ensuring quality, affordable housing for all. Reservations for this event are now open ($30 per person). Visit this page for more information and to purchase tickets.
Monday, May 6, 2024 (10 a.m. at Roslyn)
Closing Program
Our closing program takes place in the Bishop’s Chapel at Roslyn, the diocesan retreat and conference center on River Road. Following a Celebration of the Holy Eucharist, we will have a light lunch together. This beautiful space will refresh and recharge you. (Please note that this program occurs on a Monday.)